Depression

Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance - Oklahoma

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DEPRESSION

Depression is a treatable medical illness involving an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. It’s not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness. Just like you can’t “wish away” diabetes, heart disease, or any other physical illness, you can’t make depression go away by trying to “snap out of it.” Episodes of depression often follow stressful events like marital problems or the death of a loved one. While depression sometimes runs in families, many people with the illness have no family history of depression. The exact causes of depression still are not clear. What we do know is that both genetics and a stressful environment, or life situation, contribute to its cause. Usually, it’s not one or the other, but a combination of both.

Symptoms

Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
Pessimism, indifference
Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
Unexplained aches and pains
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

To take a free and confidential screener for depression, click here.

If you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide,
contact a medical professional, clergy member, loved one, friend, or hospital emergency room.
Or call toll-free (800) 273-TALK (800-273-8255)
or 9 -1 -1 immediately to get help.

Two Common Types of Depression
Major depressive disorder and dysthymia are two of the most common types of depression that people experience.

Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a treatable medical illness characterized by feelings of sadness, indifference, exhaustion and anxiety that a woman may experience after the birth of her baby. It affects one in every 10 women who have had a child, and can affect any woman, regardless of her age, race, or economic background.

Depression and Other Illnesses
Depression often coexists with other mental or physical illnesses. Conditions that may be worsened by depression include substance use, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, heart disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. A great deal of research in the field of "whole health" (also called "mind-body medicine" or "integrated health"), is currently underway to explore the relationship between depression and physical illnesses.

Depression across the Lifespan
Depression can affect anyone at any age, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.

Treatments
Treatment of depression may include support groups, medication, talk therapy, or other strategies that you and your health care provider may want to try. The right treatment is the one that works best for you.